Although most of us could have accurately predicted who would win the series coming out of Golden State's Western Conference Finals series with the Houston Rockets, none of could have confidently predicted which Dubs player would make it out with the 2018 Finals MVP trophy.

Aside from their series clinching losses to the Warriors, the Cavaliers have fared well in elimination games the past four seasons - going 7-2. Here are the pieces to the puzzle that was the Warriors' 2018 championship run.

Television ratings for the game itself tells us a story of a general public that largely tuned it out. "All I know is they're the two best players that I've ever witnessed".

The Warriors blocked 13 shots in the game, with Curry and Durant joining Green with three apiece. While that was a joyous celebration after decades of heartbreak, the Warriors getting the result they were always expected to felt more like a relief after a long slog of a season, a result long expected and predicted by many before the season tipped off.

James, who said he "pretty much played the last three games with a broken hand" after injuring himself in frustration following Game 1, finished with 23 points and spent the final minutes on the bench, contemplating what went wrong and maybe his next move. It's a lot of different conversations that have to take place and if that's something that we want to look into I'm sure we could have those - Klay's got another year, Draymond's got two more.

"Sure, guys have proven they can win so you want to keep that group together", Myers said. But word of James' injury didn't originate from his camp, and it makes little sense he would be eager to reveal this lapse in judgment.

The 29-year-old was an All-Star for the fifth time in his career this season, averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He can become a free agent on July 1, and his future is uncertain.

The sheer ease of their disposal of the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the championship series sent a loud and clear message to the league that they are not about to vacate their perch any time soon.

Plus, Golden State will get better. "I knew that question would come, but I like to be here".

Overcoming obstacles all season long, the Warriors won their fourth straight finals matchup against James and Cleveland easily.

And again, it was Durant, who added 12 rebounds and 10 assists - more satisfaction and validation for a player who couldn't beat the Warriors so he joined them.

Dragging these Cavaliers through the Eastern Conference playoffs and returning to the NBA Finals for an eighth straight time - something no one has done since Bill Russell dominated the NBA in the 1960s - ranks as one of James's greatest accomplishments. The sweep is a cherry-on-top achievement, as it's just the ninth time in National Basketball Association history that it's happened.